A double height space, the hinge between the kitchen and other public spaces, bathed in light Photo by: Joe Iano

Pacific Heights

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CHATHAM ADDITION & REMODEL

Passacantando Architects AIA

A 1940's era cape was updated and expanded with a new kitchen, family room, mudroom, and a second floor master suite.

The private home, reminiscent of Maine lodges and family camps, was designed to be a sanctuary for the family and their many relatives. Lassel Architects worked closely with the owners to meet their needs and wishes and collaborated thoroughly with the builder during the construction process to provide a meticulously crafted home. The open-concept plan, framed by a unique timber frame inspired by Greene & Greene’s designs, provides large open spaces for entertaining with generous views to the lake, along with sleeping lofts that comfortably host a crowd overnight. Each of the family members' bedrooms was configured to provide a view to the lake. The bedroom wings pivot off a staircase which winds around a natural tree trunk up to a tower room with 360-degree views of the surrounding lake and forest. All interiors are framed with natural wood and custom-built furniture and cabinets reinforce daily use and activities. The family enjoys the home throughout the entire year; therefore careful attention was paid to insulation, air tightness and efficient mechanical systems, including in-floor heating. The house was integrated into the natural topography of the site to connect the interior and exterior spaces and encourage an organic circulation flow. Solar orientation and summer and winter sun angles were studied to shade in the summer and take advantage of passive solar gain in the winter. Equally important was the use of natural ventilation. The design takes into account cross-ventilation for each bedroom while high and low awning windows to allow cool air to move through the home replacing warm air in the upper floor. The tower functions as a private space with great light and views with the advantage of the Venturi effect on warm summer evenings. Sandy Agrafiotis

Rivers End House #1

Cushing Terrell

Contemporary Mountain Home by MossCreek

MossCreek

This stunning custom designed home by MossCreek features contemporary mountain styling with sleek Asian influences. Glass walls all around the home bring in light, while also giving the home a beautiful evening glow. Designed by MossCreek for a client who wanted a minimalist look that wouldn't distract from the perfect setting, this home is natural design at its very best. Photo by Joseph Hilliard

Charonne

Atelier Nyood

salle a manger, séjour, salon, parquet en point de Hongrie, miroir décoration, moulures, poutres peintes, cheminées, pierre, chaise en bois, table blanche, art de table, tapis peau de vache, fauteuils, grandes fenêtres, cadres, lustre

Kitchen Expansion

Four Brothers Design + Build

Party Barn

Vernon Wentz

The lighting design in this rustic barn with a modern design was the designed and built by lighting designer Mike Moss. This was not only a dream to shoot because of my love for rustic architecture but also because the lighting design was so well done it was a ease to capture. Photography by Vernon Wentz of Ad Imagery

Living Room

Eastern Adirondack Home and Design

Callies: LaCrosse, WI

HELMÜT

Coral Gables, Florida Home

Eva Quateman Interiors

Steven Brooke Studios

Tamarack Featured Spaces - Bradbury

Tamarack Homes

This open floor plan, framed by tall windows and centred under a striking chandelier, creates room for a dramatic dining experience.

West Hill

Moore Design Builders

Paul Rogers

Pingree Rogers Headmasters Home

OLSON LEWIS + Architects

Contractor: David Clough Photographer: Dan Gair/Blind Dog Photo, Inc. This period home straddles two centuries and dual roles. As the home for the headmaster of an independent high school, it is also considered a school asset as a facility for visitors. Formal details define the public rooms that accommodate school functions. A ground-floor guest suite hosts campus visitors. The catering-quality kitchen, like a hinge, connects the intimate living quarters to formal spaces. The heart of their family sanctuary is the great room just beyond the kitchen. The headmaster holds occasional student classes in his living room, connecting students to this campus legacy. He and his wife can see the front door of the main building from his upstairs window. Boundaries between public and private life are sensitively articulated throughout.

Tropical Dining Room

Kitchen Plantation Shutter look!

Colorado Shutter Company

Wide 4" louvers with side tilting, and Flat/straight louvers for better view.

My Houzz: Rustic Meets Refined in a Converted Ohio Barn

Adrienne DeRosa

Made from pear wood, a storage unit takes advantage of barn posts for support. Minimal in design, it appears to float effortlessly above the floor, and provides ample room for storing extra plates and displaying artwork. Adrienne DeRosa Photography

Federal Style Maryland Modern Home

Ronald Johnston and Associates, Architects

David Lena Photography

Large Dining Room Design Ideas

A dining room can be used for casual dining, integrated into an open plan and connected to the living and kitchen areas; or as a formal space reserved solely for entertaining. While it may not be used frequently, it is a great focal point in the home, and requires little furnishings. Here's what you need to consider before you start planning a new dining room...

How will you use your dining room?

First, consider how frequently you will use the space. If you plan on using your dining room on a daily basis, a casual dining set-up with sturdy, long-lasting furniture is best. As for where you position it – well, any unused space in the home can be converted into a casual dining space, whether it be at the end of a kitchen island, or at the bottom of the stairs. A formal dining room, on the other hand, is more suited to a dedicated space, which is more common in heritage homes where space originally wasn’t at a premium. Perhaps you want your dining room to multi-task and accommodate everyday meals, homework sessions and grown-up dinner parties… If that’s the case, furniture is key. Look for versatile dining tables in either Australian or New Zealand hardwood or weathered timber for a more rustic look. These won’t show up sticky fingerprints as much and can be dressed up for guests.

What size and shape should your dining table be?

Your dining table should be able to seat all family members with some room for additional guests – each person should have at least 60 centimetres of space at the table. The right size, however, also depends on how much room you have. A general rule of thumb is to leave no less than 1 metre from the dining table to the wall or any additional furniture, so people have enough room to comfortably move around the space. Rectangular dining tables are versatile and can work in a variety of settings, while oval dining tables are more traditional and can turn any meal into an occasion. If you have a tight space to work in, a round dining table is best, and also a great option if you want to encourage conversation. A square dining table can be a dramatic addition to a dining room, but only if you have the space. It allows everyone at the table to see each other, but the bigger the table, the harder it will be able to hold a conversation with someone at the other end.

What type of dining chairs should you choose?

Once you’ve decided on a dining table, look for dining chairs that share a common design element. If your dining table legs are curved, for example, try to match them with dining chairs that have a similar curve, either in the legs or back. Next, consider the dimensions of the chair. The height of your dining chairs should allow at least 30 centimetres between the top of the seat and the top of the table. And to keep your tush happy, avoid dining chairs narrower than 45 centimetres.

How can you decorate your dining room?

Dining rooms are relatively minimal spaces, but that makes them a great place to splash a little colour through artwork, especially if yours is a formal dining room. If your dining room is lacking warmth, consider painting the walls a deep shade of red or blue, or go contemporary with black or grey. A cosy rug will make the space feel more intimate, while a sideboard or cabinet of curiosities will further personalise the space. Often overlooked, dining room lighting can also drastically alter the mood of a room, creating drama, spurring romance or encouraging conversation. Opt for soft lighting in the dining area with dimmer switches, and choose oversized pendants in large, open spaces or to make the dining area more of a focal point. Finally, add some table settings, such as a lace tablecloth for a whimsy feel, or a more basic table runner for a chic look. If you need some help designing your dining room, consider checking the Houzz directory of interior designers, home stylists, cabinet makers and more!